Carlton Dean was born on July 8, 1943, to Arlo Otto and Pearl Inez (Locke) Kothenbeutel. He grew up in Marshalltown with his four older siblings, Ralph Kothenbeutel, Harold Kothenbeutel, Sharon (Kothenbeutel) Hodnefield, and Marcia Jean (Kothenbeutel) Thomas, as well as his younger brother, Dennis Kothenbeutel.

He is survived by his two daughters, Jane Elizabeth Anderson and Leigh Ann (Anthony) Matkovich, as well as his three grandchildren, Andrew James Matkovich, Molly Ann Matkovich, and Nathaniel Jeffrey Anderson. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and sisters, and his beloved wife, Carmalee Ann (Harding) Kothenbeutel.

Carlton graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1961. He enjoyed playing sports as a young man, particularly baseball and basketball. He met his wife, Carmalee, while both were working at Fisher Controls. Their first date followed a recreational basketball game he played at the Coliseum. He was immediately captivated by her wit and self-determination. They were united in marriage in 1967, and from this union came their two daughters. Carlton worked at Fisher Controls for 40 years and loved to take his girls to sporting events in his free time, especially Hawkeye football and basketball games and the Drake Relays. He also was an avid reader, favoring biographies and books on history. During his retirement, Carlton greatly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, and they remember fondly him sharing his love for the music of his youth, classic cars, and John Wayne movies. He never refused a single one of their requests for ice cream and he showed his love by ensuring sweet treats were always stocked around the house.

Carlton often talked about how lucky he was to have found such a beautiful and graceful wife in Carmalee. He felt blessed by the life they built together and looked forward to reuniting with her in death. After her passing in 2023, he found great comfort in the support of the Marshalltown community, including lifelong friends from high school and the many friends he made around town, especially at the local library and Perkins. The family would like to extend their deep gratitude for the love and care shown by these individuals. His pacemaker will be donated to Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in honor of his granddogs: Sophie, Simon, Lily, and Fergus Matkovich, and Tinkerbell Anderson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marshalltown Public Library or to Iowa River Hospice.